Information-processing system, terminal device, portable terminal device, and non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium

ABSTRACT

An information processing system includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires traveling area information of the vehicle; an entry determination unit that determines whether the vehicle has entered a specific range; an area information storage unit that stores the traveling area information when the vehicle has entered the specific range; a reception unit that receives a stop signal including information on a stop position of a different vehicle different from the vehicle when the different vehicle stops traveling or is in a state difficult to continue normally traveling; a relation determination unit that determines a positional relationship between the different vehicle and the vehicle, based on the information on the stop position and the traveling area information; and a processing execution unit that executes a predetermined process in accordance with a determination result.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/JP2015/003786 filed on Jul. 28, 2015 and published in Japanese as WO 2016/024385 A1 on Feb. 18, 2016. This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-163891 filed on Aug. 11, 2014. The entire disclosures of all of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, a terminal device, a program, a portable terminal device, and a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable recording medium.

BACKGROUND ART

When a vehicle traveling on a road, particularly on a highway, stops traveling, this vehicle is supposed to promptly give a signal to a following vehicle to notify the following vehicle about the vehicle stop. Use of a reflector or a smoke pot for giving this notification requires a time for preparation, and therefore may be difficult to prevent occurrence of an accident in some cases. There has been proposed a technology which receives an emergency notification about occurrence of an accident, determines a relationship between the current position of a self-vehicle and the position of the accident, and gives a warning when predetermined conditions are met (see Patent literature 1).

According to the technology of Patent Literature 1, however, calculation based on assisting information, such as map information, is needed to determine the relationship between transmitted information on the position of the accident and the current position of the self-vehicle. In this case, a time is required to determine whether a warning is necessary, and therefore a rapid warning may be difficult to execute.

PRIOR ART LITERATURES Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 3103453

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an information processing system, a terminal device, a program, a portable terminal device, and a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable recoding medium, which are capable of rapidly performing control of a warning or the like based on received information.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system arranged on a vehicle, includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires traveling area information on an area where the vehicle travels; an entry determination unit that determines whether the vehicle has entered a specific range; an area information storage unit that stores the traveling area information acquired by the information acquisition unit when the entry determination unit determines that the vehicle has entered the specific range; a reception unit that receives a stop signal as a signal including information on a stop position of a different vehicle different from the vehicle on which the information processing system is arranged, the stop signal being transmitted from an external device outside of the vehicle when the different vehicle stops traveling or is in a state difficult to continue normally traveling; a relation determination unit that determines a positional relationship between the different vehicle and the vehicle, based on the information, on the stop position included in the stop signal received by the reception unit, and the traveling area information stored in the area information storage unit; and a processing execution unit that executes a predetermined process in accordance with a determination result obtained by the relation determination unit.

According to the information processing system having this configuration, information on the area where the self-vehicle travels is acquired and stored beforehand. Accordingly, this system rapidly determines whether a warning or the like is necessary, and rapidly performs control of the warning or the like when receiving a stop signal from the outside based on a stop of a different vehicle.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal device includes: the information acquisition unit; the entry determination unit; the area information storage unit; the reception unit; the relation determination unit; and the processing execution unit, which constitute the information processing system according to the first aspect. The terminal device is portable out of the vehicle.

According to the terminal device having this configuration, information on the area where the self-vehicle travels is acquired and stored beforehand. Accordingly, this device rapidly determines whether a warning or the like is necessary, and rapidly performs control of the warning or the like when receiving a stop signal from the outside based on a stop of a different vehicle.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a program functions a computer, which includes a storage device for storing data and a communication device for wirelessly communicating with an external device, as the information acquisition unit, the entry determination unit, the area information storage unit, the reception unit, the relation determination unit, and the processing execution unit constituting the information processing system according to the first aspect.

According to the program having this configuration, information on the area where the self-vehicle travels is acquired and stored beforehand. Accordingly, this program rapidly determines whether a warning or the like is necessary, and rapidly performs control of the warning or the like when receiving a stop signal from the outside based on a stop of a different vehicle.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a portable terminal device includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires traveling area information on an area where the vehicle travels; an entry determination unit that determines whether the vehicle has entered a specific range; an area information storage unit that stores the traveling area information acquired by the information acquisition unit when the entry determination unit determines that the vehicle has entered the specific range; a reception unit that receives a stop signal as a signal including information on a stop position of a different vehicle different from the vehicle on which the information processing system is arranged, the stop signal being transmitted from an external device outside of the vehicle when the different vehicle stops traveling or is in a state difficult to continue normally traveling; a relation determination unit that determines a positional relationship between the different vehicle and the vehicle, based on the information, on the stop position included in the stop signal received by the reception unit, and the traveling area information stored in the area information storage unit; and a processing execution unit that executes a predetermined process in accordance with a determination result obtained by the relation determination unit.

According to the portable terminal device having this configuration, information on the area where the self-vehicle travels is acquired and stored beforehand. Accordingly, this device rapidly determines whether a warning or the like is necessary, and rapidly performs control of the warning or the like when receiving a stop signal from the outside based on a stop of a different vehicle.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in a non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium comprising an instruction executed by a computer, the instruction includes: acquiring traveling area information on an area where a vehicle travels; determining whether the vehicle has entered a specific range; storing acquired traveling area information when determined that the vehicle has entered the specific range; receiving a stop signal as a signal including information on a stop position of a different vehicle different from the vehicle, the stop signal being transmitted from an external device outside of the vehicle when the different vehicle stops traveling or is in a state difficult to continue normally traveling; determining a positional relationship between the different vehicle and the vehicle, based on the information, on the stop position included in the received stop signal, and the stored traveling area information; and executing a predetermined process in accordance with a determination result of the positional relationship.

According to the non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable recoding medium having this configuration, information on the area where the self-vehicle travels is acquired and stored beforehand. Accordingly, this medium rapidly determines whether a warning or the like is necessary, and rapidly performs control of the warning or the like when receiving a stop signal from the outside based on a stop of a different vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a notification system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an information processing system;

FIG. 3 is a function block diagram of the notification system;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating functions of the notification system;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a vehicle side main process according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a server first response process according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating area lists;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a stop determination process according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a server second response process according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a warning process according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a server first response process according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a server second response process according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a method for selecting distribution areas;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a server second response process according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating stop position ranges;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a warning process according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a vehicle side main process according to another embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating stop position ranges according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a function block diagram of a notification system according to a still further embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a function block diagram of a notification system according to a still further embodiment; and

FIG. 21 is a function block diagram of a notification system according to a still further embodiment.

EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Embodiments according to the present disclosure are hereinafter described with reference to the drawings.

1. First Embodiment 1-1. Structure

A notification system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system including a server device 2, a signal transmission and reception device 3, and a plurality of information processing systems 5 each of which is mounted on a corresponding vehicle 4. The server device 2 and the information processing systems 5 wirelessly communicate with each other via the signal transmission and reception device 3.

The server device 2 is a known computer system constituted by a CPU 11, a ROM 12 that stores programs and the like executed by the CPU 11, a RAM 13 that provides a working area when the programs are executed by the CPU 11, a hard disk drive (HDD) 14 that includes storage areas for storing various data, a communication module 15 that wirelessly communicates with the signal transmission and reception device 3, and a-not shown bus line that connects these components.

The server device 2 is connected to the other server devices 2 to perform wireless or wired communication with the other server devices 2. Each of the server devices 2 transmits and receives data to and from the corresponding signal transmission and reception device 3.

One-to-one correspondence between the server device 2 and the signal transmission and reception device 3 is not required. The single server device 2 may control a plurality of the signal transmission and reception devices 3, or a plurality of the server devices 2 may control the single signal transmission and reception device 3. Only the single server device 2, rather than a plurality of server devices 2, may be provided.

The signal transmission and reception device 3 is a device that wirelessly communicates with each of the information processing systems 5. According to the present embodiment, the signal transmission and reception device 3 is constituted by communication equipment provided at a base station for mobile communication (communication equipment of lines such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 3G (3rd generation) communication). Alternatively, the signal transmission and reception device 3 may be constituted by any one of various types of devices other than a base station, such as a communication device provided on a road for providing road-to-vehicle communication.

The signal transmission and reception device 3 and the information processing system 5 may be configured to communicate with each other by using communication systems in conformity to a plurality of communication standards. In this case, communication systems may be made switchable according to contents to be transmitted and received. For example, for realizing transmission and reception by different communication systems for each, FM multiplexing broadcast equipment may be used for transmission of signals from the signal transmission and reception device 3 to the information processing systems 5, while telephone lines may be used for reception of signals.

Each of the information processing systems 5 is a device that wirelessly communicates with the server device 2 via the signal transmission and reception device 3. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the information processing system 5 includes a wireless signal reception device 21, a GPS receiver 22, a steering angle sensor 23, a speed sensor 24, a navigation system 25, a speaker 26, an information processing device 31, and others.

The wireless signal reception device 21 is a device that receives a signal including information for specifying a position or the like of a predetermined area when the vehicle 4 is located in this area. According to the present embodiment, the wireless signal reception device 21 is constituted by ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) in-vehicle device. The wireless signal reception device 21 outputs ETC information received via a road-side antenna to the information processing device 31. As for an automatic toll collection function of the wireless signal reception device 21, there is substantially no connection between this function and the embodiment described herein. Accordingly, explanation of this function is not given.

The GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 22 receives, via a not-shown antenna, a signal output from a GPS artificial satellite, and outputs the received signal to the information processing device 31.

The steering angle sensor 23 is a sensor that detects an angle of a steering, while the speed sensor 24 is a sensor that detects a traveling speed of the vehicle 4. Detection signals obtained from these sensors are output to the information processing device 31.

The navigation system 25 is a device that includes a position detection device constituted by a GPS receiver, a gyro scope, a vehicle speed sensor, or the like, a storage device for storing map data, a display device for displaying various images such as a map display image, an input device through which various instructions are input from a passenger, and others. The navigation system 25 is capable of executing processes such as a map display process and a route guide process.

The map display process is a process that calculates a current position of a vehicle, based on respective detection signals obtained from the position detection device, and that displays a map or the like around the current position on the display device, based on the map data stored in the storage device. The route guide process is a process that calculates an optimum destination route from the current position to a destination set by the passenger based on the map data stored in the storage device, and that provides a traveling guide to the destination while considering the relationship between the current position and the destination route.

The GPS receiver 22 and the speed sensor 24 described above may be used as the GPS receiver and the vehicle speed sensor constituting the navigation system 25.

The speaker 26 receives a control signal from the information processing device 31, and outputs voices to the interior of the vehicle 4.

The information processing device 31 is mainly constituted by a known microcomputer that includes a CPU 32, a ROM 33, a RAM 34, a non-volatile memory 35, a communication module 36, a not-shown input/output, a bus line connecting these components, and others. The CPU 32 performs integrated control over the information processing device 31 under programs or the like stored in the ROM 33 or the non-volatile memory 35.

The communication module 36 is a module for wireless communication with the signal transmission and reception device 3. In a case of communication with the signal transmission and reception device 3 by a plurality of communication systems, a plurality of modules corresponding to these communication systems are provided. According to the present embodiment, the communication module 36 provides communication via a mobile communication network, and is given a telephone number for identifying the communication module 36.

The server device 2 and the information processing device 31 thus configured function as units illustrated in a function block diagram in FIG. 3.

The information processing device 31 functions as an information acquisition unit 41, a position detection unit 42, a storage unit 43, an entry determination unit 44, an entry signal transmission unit 45, a stop detection unit 46, a first transmission unit 47, a reception unit 49, a relation determination unit 50, a processing execution unit 51, an exit determination unit 52, and an exit signal transmission unit 53. The storage unit 43 includes an area information storage unit 74 and a specific range storage unit 75.

The server device 2 functions as a vehicle information storage unit 61, a stop information storage unit 62, a signal generation unit 63, a signal transmission destination setting unit 64, a second transmission unit 65, and a deletion control unit 66. The functions of the respective units of the information processing device 31 and the server device 2 will be described below.

1-2. Function of Notification System

The outline of functions of the notification system 1 is hereinafter described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. This outline also touches upon contents different from specific configurations of the present embodiment. However, all of these contents are regarded as matters included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 4, the vehicles 4 (4 a to 4 d) travel on a road 101 in directions indicated by arrows. A vehicle 4 e is a vehicle traveling on a road different from the road 101. Boundary areas 102 (102 a to 102 d) are set on the road 101. A range surrounded by the boundary areas 102 a, 102 c, and 102 d is defined as a specific range 103.

Each of the vehicles 4 a to 4 e and each of the boundary areas 102 a to 102 d represent a vehicle and a boundary area located at a different position, respectively. However, these vehicles and boundary areas are collectively referred to as the vehicles 4 and the boundary areas 102, respectively when distinction between the positions of the vehicles and the boundary areas is not needed in the following description.

Each of the vehicles 4 carries the information processing system 5 for executing the following processes. A vehicle carrying the information processing system 5 corresponding to a processing main body is referred to as a self-vehicle, while a vehicle carrying the information processing system 5 different from the processing main body is referred to as a different vehicle in some cases.

(1) Prompt Notification Preparation Stage

Processes performed by the information processing system 5 carried on each of the vehicle 4 are initially described.

The information acquisition unit 41 acquires traveling area information that is information indicating an area where the vehicle is traveling. For example, the traveling area information is information for specifying a road, information for specifying a predetermined range on a road, or information for specifying a traveling direction. An area of a traveling road is changeable for each traveling direction, and therefore an area is identifiable by specifying a traveling direction. The information acquisition unit 41 includes a road specification unit 71, a traveling direction determination unit 72, and a specific range specification unit 73.

The road specification unit 71 specifies the road 101 on which the vehicle 4 is traveling. Arbitrary methods may be used for specifying the road, such as a method for specifying the road based on comparison between the self-vehicle position and map information (map matching).

The self-vehicle position described above is detectable based on GPS information acquired by the position detection unit 42 from the GPS receiver 22. Alternatively, self-vehicle position information may be acquired from the navigation system 25 functioning as a position detection unit.

Other possible methods for specifying the road include a method for specifying the road based on a wireless signal transmitted from a not-shown signal transmission device disposed along the road. This signal is received by the wireless signal reception device 21.

The signal transmission device disposed along the road corresponds to a road-side device of ETC in the present embodiment. However, the signal transmission device may be DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications), a beacon, or other signal transmission devices. The road is specified by analyzing a signal transmitted from these signal transmission devices and containing information different for each setting position.

Information on the road specified by the road specification unit 71 is stored in the area information storage unit 74 as a road ID.

The traveling direction determination unit 72 determines an inbound direction or an outbound direction of the traveling road. Arbitrary methods for determining the traveling direction may be used, such as determination based on a change of the self-position with an elapse of time, and determination based on information received from ETC, DSRC, beacons, or other signal transmission devices described above. Information for specifying the traveling direction (hereinafter also abbreviated as traveling direction information) is stored in the area information storage unit 74.

The specific range specification unit 73 specifies the specific range 103 when the vehicle 4 enters this specific range. The specific range 103 is a pre-set range on a road. The notification system 1 executes respective processes in response to traveling of the vehicle 4 in this range. The specific range storage unit 75 stores information on a plurality of specific ranges, and specifies a specific range into which the vehicle 4 enters from the plurality of specific ranges.

The specific range 103 may be divided into a plurality of small areas as illustrated in FIG. 4. In this case, a small range into which the vehicle enters is specified. In FIG. 4, there are provided an area A ranging from the boundary area 102 a to the boundary area 102 b, an area B ranging from the boundary area 102 b to the boundary area 102 c, and an area C ranging from the boundary area 102 to the boundary area 102 d. In other words, the areas A to C are specified as different specific ranges.

Arbitrary methods for specifying the specific range may be used, such as (i) specification based on comparison between the self-vehicle position and map information on the specific range (such as information on latitude/longitude of each boundary area 102), and (ii) specification based on information received from ETC, DSRC, beacons, or other signal transmission devices provided in the boundary areas 102.

Information on the plurality of specific ranges is stored in a database of the specific range storage unit 75 as described above. Information used for specification by the method (i) is map information indicating respective extents of the specific ranges. The map information for the respective specific ranges is stored with specific range IDs associated with the corresponding specific ranges.

Information used for specification by the method (ii) is information indicating correlations between the specific ranges and information included in signals received from the signal transmission devices for specifying the setting positions of the signal transmission devices (information indicating ICs (interchange) through which the vehicle has passed in a case of ETC). The specific ranges are stored along with corresponding specific range IDs similarly to the method (i).

The information stored in the database of the specific range storage unit 75 may be updated as necessary. For example, new data may be downloaded, or acquired from a recording medium connected to the specific range storage unit 75.

The specific range IDs specified by the specific range specification unit 73 are stored in the area information storage unit 74.

As described above, the information acquisition unit 41 acquires traveling area information. The traveling area information thus acquired is stored in the area information storage unit 74.

The entry determination unit 44 determines whether the vehicle 4 has entered the specific range 103. Arbitrary methods for determining entry into the specific range 103 may be used, such as determination based on comparison between the self-vehicle position and map information stored beforehand for indicating the specific ranges, and determination based on information received from ETC, DSRC, beacons or other signal transmission devices provided in the boundary areas 102.

The entry signal transmission unit 45 transmits, to the server device 2, an entry signal including the traveling area information, and specifying information for specifying the information processing system 5, when the entry determination unit 44 determines that the vehicle 4 has entered the specific range 103. The specifying information may be a telephone number given to the communication module 36 of the information processing device 31, for example, or an identifier other than a telephone number, such as an account ID.

The server device 2 stores traveling area information and specifying information included in an entry signal in association with each other when the vehicle information storage unit 61 receives the entry signal transmitted from the entry signal transmission unit 45.

A road ID, traveling direction information, and a specific range ID may be combined into one or two sets of information. When respective distinctions of a road, a traveling direction, and ranges of a road are combined into a specific range ID, for example, only the specific range ID is required as traveling area information. Other information may be included in the combined information.

The information acquisition unit 41 may be configured to acquire the traveling area information before the entry determination unit 44 determines entry of the vehicle 4 into the specific range, or when the entry determination unit 44 determines the entry of the vehicle 4 into the specific range.

(2) Prompt Stop Notification Stage

A function of the notification system 1 performed when the vehicle 4 stops traveling is hereinafter described.

Processes performed by the information processing system 5 carried on each of the vehicle 4 are initially described.

The stop detection unit 46 detects a stop of the vehicle 4, or a state where the vehicle 4 is difficult to continue normal traveling, based on output from sensors carried on the vehicle 4. These states are detectable by detection of signals associated with the traveling stop of the vehicle.

More specifically, a stop of the vehicle 4 is detected based on a signal indicating a predetermined threshold or lower traveling speed of the vehicle 4 (such as 5 km/h or lower), for example. Alternatively, the state where the vehicle 4 is difficult to continue normal traveling is detectable based on a signal indicating an abnormal state of the vehicle 4 or a driver, such as deployment of an airbag, a blowout of a tire, a press of an emergency button, for example.

In the following description, detection of the foregoing signal by the stop detection unit 46 is referred to as detection of a traveling stop of a vehicle. A traveling stop of a vehicle is also abbreviated as a vehicle stop.

The first transmission unit 47 transmits, to the server device 2, a first stop signal including traveling area information stored in the area information storage unit 74, position information on the vehicle 4 detected by the position detection unit 42, and specifying information when the stop detection unit 46 detects a stop of traveling of the vehicle 4. Accordingly, the first stop signal is transmitted in response to a traveling stop of the vehicle 4.

A process performed by the server device 2 is hereinafter described.

The stop information storage unit 62 stores travelling area information, position information, and specifying information included in the first stop signal in association with each other when receiving a first stop signal transmitted from the first transmission unit 47.

The signal generation unit 63 generates a second stop signal based on the received first stop signal. The second stop signal is a signal including information on a stop position of the stopping vehicle 4 d. More specifically, the second stop signal may include a part or all of traveling area information, or include the first stop signal (latitude/longitude information). Alternatively, the second stop signal may include both traveling area information and the first stop signal.

The signal generation unit 63 may set one or more ranges in accordance with the distance from a starting point corresponding to the current position of the stopping vehicle 4 based on information indicating the current position of the vehicle 4 included in the first stop signal (traveling area information or first stop signal), and generate a second stop signal including range information indicating the range as information on the stop position of the vehicle 4.

The signal transmission destination setting unit 64 sets a transmission destination to which the second stop signal is transmitted. The signal transmission destination setting unit 64 includes a transmission destination specification unit 64 a that specifies the information processing system 5 as a transmission destination, and a transmission range setting unit 64 b that sets a fixed range as a transmission destination.

In a specific example, the transmission destination specification unit 64 a specifies the information processing system 5 carried on the vehicle 4 located behind the stopping vehicle 4 in the traveling direction with respect to a starting point corresponding to the position of the stopping vehicle 4 included in the first stop signal, based on traveling area information stored in the vehicle information storage unit 61.

In a specific example, the transmission range setting unit 64 b defines a fixed range based on the position of the stopping vehicle 4 included in the first stop signal, and broadcasts the defined fixed range.

Needless to say, arbitrary methods for setting a transmission destination may be used other than these examples. The information processing system 5 carried on the vehicle 4 located in the vicinity of the stopping vehicle 4, or the information processing system 5 carried on the vehicle 4 located within the same specific range as the range of the stopping vehicle 4 or a specific range in the vicinity of the same specific range, may be specified as a transmission destination, for example.

The second transmission unit 65 transmits the second stop signal to the transmission destination determined by the signal transmission destination setting unit 64. For broadcasting the second stop signal, information is transmitted from the signal transmission and reception device 3 to all the information processing systems 5 located within a range communicative with the signal transmission and reception device 3 (in a manner similar to so-called earthquake prompt announcement via telephone lines), for example. Alternatively, transmission by FM multiplexing broadcast may be adopted, for example.

(3) Warning Stage

The following processes are executed when the different vehicle 4 other than the self-vehicle 4 stops traveling.

The reception unit 49 receives second stop information transmitted from the server device 2.

The relation determination unit 50 determines a positional relationship between the stopping different vehicle 4 and the self-vehicle 4, based on information on a stop position included in the second stop signal received from the reception unit 49, and traveling area information on the self-vehicle 4 stored in the area information storage unit 74. In other words, the relation determination unit 50 determines whether the self-vehicle 4 is located at a distance of notice from the stopping different vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as located in notice area).

More specifically, when the vehicle 4 d in FIG. 4 stops, the relation determination unit 50 of the vehicle 4 c located within the area B, traveling in the same traveling direction, and positioned behind the vehicle 4 d determines that the self-vehicle 4 is located in the notice area. The relation determination unit 50 of the vehicle 4 located at a place other than the foregoing place determines that the self-vehicle 4 is not located within the notice area. This determination method is presented only by way of example. The relation determination unit 50 of the vehicle 4 b may determine that the self-vehicle 4 b is located within the notice area, for example.

The processing execution unit 51 executes a process determined beforehand in accordance with a result of determination by the relation determination unit 50. For example, the processing execution unit 51 gives a warning to the driver when it is determined that the self-vehicle 4 is located within the notice area. More specifically, the processing execution unit 51 may display a warning screen on the display device of the navigation system 25, or emit warning sound from the speaker 26, for example. In this case, a waning corresponding to the distance from the stopping vehicle 4 may be given.

Control other than emission of a warning to the driver may be performed for the vehicle 4. Various types of controls may be performed to allow the vehicle 4 to pass through the vicinity of a vehicle which has stopped safely.

Even when it is determined that the vehicle is out of the notice area, a warning is given for subsequent entry into the area B after continuous traveling.

The relation determination unit 50 described above may be configured to determine whether the self-vehicle is located before the different stopping vehicle in the traveling direction. In this case, the processing execution unit 51 may be configured to end execution of the foregoing process when the relation determination unit 50 determines that the self-vehicle is located before the different vehicle in the traveling direction.

The exit determination unit 52 determines whether the vehicle 4 has exited from the specific range 103. Arbitrary methods for determining the exit from the specific range 103 may be used, such as determination based on comparison between the self-vehicle position and map information on the specific range stored beforehand, and determination based on information received from ETC, DSRC, beacons or other signal transmission devices provided in the boundary areas 102. Accordingly, determination may be made by a method similar to the method of the entry determination unit 44.

The exit signal transmission unit 53 transmits an exit signal including the specifying information to the server device 2 when the exit determination unit 52 determines that the vehicle 4 has exited from the specific range 103.

The deletion control unit 66 of the server device 2 deletes, from the vehicle information storage unit 61, the traveling area information associated with the specifying information included in the exit signal when receiving the exit signal transmitted from the exit signal transmission unit 53.

1-3. Processing

A specific processing example performed by the notification system 1 is hereinafter described. According to the present embodiment, the notification system 1 notifies vehicles around the notification system 1 when a vehicle traveling on a predetermined highway stops traveling.

(1) Vehicle Side Main Process

A vehicle side main process executed by the CPU 32 of the information processing device 31 is hereinafter described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 5. This process presented by way of example starts in response to a start of traveling of a vehicle (state where vehicle speed exceeds predetermined threshold).

In S1, the CPU 32 determines whether the self-vehicle has passed through a predetermined entrance ETC gate of a predetermined highway. When it is determined that the self-vehicle has not passed through the entrance ETC gate yet (S1: NO), S1 is repeated. In other words, the CPU 32 waits until passage through the entrance ETC gate. When it is determined that the self-vehicle has passed through the entrance ETC gate (S1: YES), the process shifts to S2.

In S2, the CPU 32 starts a stop determination process. The stop determination process is executed in parallel with the on-going process. The stop determination process will be detailed below.

In S3, the CPU 32 stores an IC name. In a case of a shift from a highway not requiring notification by the notification system 1 to a highway requiring notification by the notification system 1 after passage through a JCT (junction), a JCT name is stored instead of an IC name.

At the time of a shift from S2 to S3, an IC name is acquired based on ETC information. On the other hand, at the time of a shift from S12 to S3, an IC name or a JCT name is acquired as a result of determination of passage through the corresponding IC or JCT based on the traveling position of the self-vehicle specified with reference to map matching. The passage in this context includes traveling on a main line without passing through an IC or a JCT as well.

In S3, the CPU 32 stores the acquired information as information for specifying a road on which the self-vehicle is traveling (road ID), and information for specifying an area in which the self-vehicle on the road is traveling (specific range ID).

In S4, the CPU 32 determines an inbound direction or an outbound direction as the traveling direction of the self-vehicle, and stores the determined direction. The traveling direction may be determined based on a change of the self-position with an elapse of time.

In S5, the CPU 32 transmits an entry signal to the server device 2. The entry signal includes traveling area information, and information for specifying the information processing system 5 (information processing device 31) (vehicle ID). The traveling area information is information including the road ID, the specific range ID, and the traveling direction described above.

The server device 2 having received the traveling area information transmits, to the information processing system 5 of the corresponding vehicle, a second stop signal A including information on a first vehicle stop flag for indicating whether the stopping vehicle is present within an area set based on the traveling area information (S27 in FIG. 6). In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the areas A to C may be determined as the foregoing area when the vehicle 4 d stops traveling. The area may be set together with distinction of the traveling direction.

In S6, the CPU 32 receives the second stop signal A from the server device 2. The CPU 32 sets the first vehicle stop flag to the on-state or off-state based on the information on the first vehicle stop flag.

In S7, the CPU 32 determines whether the first vehicle stop flag is in the off-state. When it is determined that the first vehicle stop flag is in the off-state (S7: YES), i.e., when the stopping vehicle is absent in the predetermined area, the process shifts to S8. When it is determined that the first vehicle stop flag is not in the off-state (S7: NO), i.e., the flag is in the on-state, the process shifts to S10.

In S8, the CPU 32 checks whether a new second stop signal B transmitted from the server device 2 is present. The second stop signal B is a signal transmitted from the server device 2 when a new vehicle stop occurs (S50 in FIG. 9), and includes a second vehicle stop flag indicating whether the stopping vehicle is present. When it is determined that the second stop signal B has been received, the second vehicle stop flag is set to the on-state.

In S9, the CPU 32 determines whether the second vehicle stop flag is in the off-state. When the second vehicle stop flag is in the off-state (S9: YES), i.e., when the stopping vehicle is absent in the predetermined area, the process shifts to S11. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second vehicle stop flag is not in the off-state (S9: NO), i.e., when the flag is in the on-state, the process proceeds to S10.

In S10, the CPU 32 starts a warning process. The warning process is executed in parallel with the on-going process. The warning process will be detailed below.

In S11, the CPU 32 determines whether the self-vehicle has passed through a boundary area. The boundary area is a boundary between a plurality of areas corresponding to divisions of the traveling highway, and may correspond to a place of a JCT or an IC, or in the vicinity of these. The CPU 32 makes this determination based on a state where the self-vehicle position has passed through the boundary area with reference to GPS information, or reception of a signal from a fixed short-distance wireless communication device such as ETC, for example.

According to the example illustrated in FIG. 4, an IC is positioned at each of the boundary areas 102 a, 102 c, and 102 d, while a JCT is positioned at the boundary area 102 b. In S11, passage through any one of the boundary areas 102 is determined.

When it is determined that the the self-vehicle has passed through the boundary area (S11: YES), the process shifts to S12. When it is determined that the the self-vehicle has not passed through the boundary area (S11: NO), the process returns to S8.

In S12, the CPU 32 determines whether the self-vehicle has passed through an exit ETC gate of the highway. When it is determined that the self-vehicle has not passed through the exit ETC gate (S12: NO) yet, i.e., when the self-vehicle passes through the boundary area and enters a different area in the highway, the process returns to S3. In this case, a new specific range ID is given in S3.

When it is determined that the self-vehicle has passed through the exit ETC gate (S12: YES), i.e., when the self-vehicle passes through the boundary area and leaves the highway, the process shifts to S13.

In S13, the CPU 32 deletes the ID information on the IC or JCT, and information on the traveling direction stored in S3 and S4. The CPU 32 further transmits an exit signal indicating the necessity of deletion of the foregoing information to the server device 2. The server device 2 deletes the traveling area information transmitted in S5.

In S14, the CPU 32 ends the stop determination process started in S2, and the warning process started in S10. Thereafter, the process returns to S1.

(2) Server First Response Process

A server first response process executed by the CPU 11 of the server device 2 is hereinafter described with reference to a flowchart in FIG. 6. This process is continuously executed during operation of the server device 2.

In S21, the CPU 11 checks reception of an entry signal (traveling area information and vehicle ID) transmitted to the server device 2 from the information processing device 31 carried on any one of the vehicles in S5 in FIG. 5. When it is determined that the entry signal has not been received yet (S21: NO), S21 is repeated. In other words, the CPU 11 waits until reception of the entry signal. When it is determined that the entry signal has been received (S21: YES), the process shifts to S22.

In S22, the CPU 11 updates an area list based on information received in S21. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the area list is a list for traveling management created for each of areas as divisions of the specific range 103 divided in consideration of the traveling direction as well. The area list stores vehicle IDs of vehicles traveling in the corresponding area. Accordingly, the area list itself includes a road ID, a specific range ID, and traveling direction information. The respective area lists are stored in the vehicle information storage unit 61.

The CPU 11 specifies a traveling area based on the traveling area information in S22, and stores vehicle IDs (telephone numbers in FIG. 7) included in the area list of the corresponding area. An entry signal is similarly transmitted when a vehicle shifts to a different area. In this case, the corresponding vehicle ID shifts to the different area list as indicated by arrows in FIG. 7.

For storage of vehicle IDs, respective vehicle IDs are set such that a newer vehicle ID is stored with lower priority. The priority in this context is the order of transmission of the second stop signal B in S50 in FIG. 9 described below.

In S23, the CPU 11 determines whether the server is in a vehicle stopping mode. The vehicle stopping mode refers to a state where a vehicle stop occurs in the specific range 103 managed by the server device 2, producing the on-state of a predetermined flag. The vehicle stopping mode is turned on in S51 in FIG. 9.

When the server is in the vehicle stopping mode (S23: YES), the process shifts to S24. When the server is not in the vehicle stopping mode (S23: NO), the process shifts to S26.

In S24, the CPU 11 determines whether the position of the vehicle specified based on traveling area information included in the entry signal received in S21 is present within a stop signal distribution area. More specifically, it is determined whether an area flag has been set to the on-state in S46 in FIG. 9 described below in the area list after update of vehicle IDs in S22.

When the position of the vehicle is present within the stop signal distribution area (S24: YES), the process shifts to S25. When the position of the vehicle is absent in the stop signal distribution area (S24: NO), the process shifts to S26.

In S25, the CPU 11 sets a second stop signal A including information for setting the first vehicle stop flag to the on-state, information indicating the vehicle stop position corresponding to a trigger for turning on the vehicle stopping mode, and the vehicle ID of the corresponding vehicle. Thereafter, the process shifts to S27.

In S26, the CPU 11 sets a non-vehicle stop signal including information for setting the first vehicle stop flag to the off-state. Thereafter, the process shifts to S27.

In S27, the second stop signal A or the non-vehicle stop signal is transmitted to the vehicle (information processing device 31) corresponding to a transmission source of the traveling area information received in S21. Thereafter, the process returns to S21.

(3) Stop Determination Process

A stop determination process executed by the CPU 32 of the information processing device 31 is hereinafter described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 8. This process starts in S2 of the vehicle side main process in FIG. 5.

In S31, the CPU 32 determines whether the self-vehicle has stopped traveling. In this example, a stop of the self-vehicle is determined based on a state where the traveling speed of the self-vehicle is 5 km/h or lower. When it is determined that the self-vehicle is not stopping (S31: NO), S31 is repeated. In other words, the CPU 32 waits until a stop of the self-vehicle. When it is determined that the self-vehicle has stopped (S31: YES), the process shifts to S32.

In S32, the CPU 32 acquires GPS position information. This position information is information on the latitude and longitude of the stop position.

In S33, the CPU 32 sets a first stop signal including GPS position information acquired in S32, a vehicle ID, a road ID and a specific range ID acquired in the latest step in S3, and traveling direction information acquired in the latest step in S4.

In S34, the CPU 32 transmits the first stop signal set in S33 to the server device 2.

In S35, the CPU 32 determines whether traveling of the self-vehicle has re-started. In this example, a re-start of traveling is determined based on a state where the traveling speed of the self-vehicle is 30 km/h or higher. When it is determined that traveling has not been re-started yet (S35: NO), S35 is repeated. In other words, the CPU 32 waits until a re-start of the self-vehicle. When it is determined that traveling has been re-started (S35: YES), the process shifts to S36.

In S36, the CPU 32 transmits information indicating vehicle stop cancel to the server device 2. The information indicating vehicle stop cancel includes the vehicle ID, based on which the server device 2 recognizes canceling of the stop of the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle ID. After S36, the process returns to S31.

(4) Server Second Response Process

A server second response process executed by the CPU 11 of the server device 2 is hereinafter described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 9. This process is continuously executed during operation of the server device 2.

In S41, the CPU 11 determines whether a first stop signal has been received. The first stop signal is transmitted from the information processing device 31 in S34 of the stop determination process. When it is determined that the first stop signal has been received (S41: YES), the process shifts to S45. When it is determined that the first stop signal has not been received yet (S41: NO), the process shifts to S42.

In S42, the CPU 11 determines whether a notification command has been received. The notification command is transmitted from the different server device 2 in S49 described below. When it is determined that the notification command has been received (S42: YES), the process shifts to S50. When it is determined that the notification command has not been received yet (S42: NO), the process shifts to S43.

In S43, the CPU 11 determines whether information indicating vehicle stop cancel has been received. The vehicle stop cancel is transmitted from the information processing device 31 in S36 of the stop determination process. When it is determined that information indicating vehicle stop cancel has been received (S43: YES), the process shifts to S52. When it is determined that information indicating vehicle stop cancel has not been received yet (S43: NO), the process shifts to S44.

In S44, the CPU 11 determines whether a cancel command has been received. The cancel command is transmitted from the different server device 2 in S55 described below. When it is determined that the cancel command has been received (S44: YES), the process shifts to S54. When it is determined that the cancel command has not been received yet (S44: NO), the process returns to S41.

In S45, the CPU 11 specifies, from a plurality of area lists, an area list containing the vehicle ID (telephone number) of the first stop signal determined as a received signal in S41.

In S46, the CPU 11 sets an area flag of the area list specified in S45 to the on-state. The area flag is a flag set to the on-state when a vehicle stop occurs in the corresponding area. In S46, GPS position information included in the received first stop signal is stored in the area list in association with the vehicle ID as information indicating the stop position.

In S47, the CPU 11 selects a distribution area of a second stop signal B. This distribution area is determined beforehand in correspondence with the area list whose area flag has been set to the on-state in S46. More specifically, selected in this step are the area corresponding to the foregoing area list, and an area located behind the selected area in the traveling direction, i.e., an area where a vehicle is traveling toward the place of the stopping vehicle.

In S48, the CPU 11 sets a second stop signal B including information for setting the second vehicle stop flag to the on-state, and the stop position information and the vehicle ID included in the first stop signal.

In S49, the CPU 11 transmits a notification command to the server device 2 located in the distribution area selected in S46. The notification command is a command requiring the corresponding server device 2 to transmit the second stop signal B. Accordingly, the server device 2 having received the notification command in S42 transmits the second stop signal B even when a vehicle stop occurs in an area other than the distribution area corresponding to the server device 2.

In S50, the CPU 11 distributes the second stop signal B to vehicles present within the area list of the area selected as the distribution area. In other words, the vehicles within the area list correspond to vehicles (information processing devices 31) having vehicle IDs registered in the area list. The second stop signal B is distributed by utilizing telephone lines in the order of distribution priority set in the area list.

In S51, the CPU 11 turns on the vehicle stopping mode. Thereafter, the process returns to S41.

A process in S52 is executed when it is determined that information indicating vehicle stop cancel has been received in S43. In S52, the CPU 11 selects, from the plurality of area lists, an area list containing the vehicle ID included in the information indicating vehicle stop cancel determined as received information in S43.

In S53, the CPU 11 sets the area flag of the area list selected in S52 to the off-state. In this step, the CPU 11 further deletes GPS position information stored in the area list in S46.

In S54, the CPU 11 sets cancel information including the stop position and the vehicle ID of the vehicle corresponding to the transmission source of the vehicle stop cancel signal received in S43. The cancel information is information indicating that the stopping vehicle is absent. The information processing device 31 stops control executed based on the presence of the stopping vehicle, such as a warning, in response to a trigger of reception of the foregoing cancel information.

In S55, the CPU 11 transmits a cancel command to the server device 2 located in the distribution area corresponding to the area list selected in S52 (i.e., distribution area previously selected in S47 based on the stop of the vehicle having the same vehicle ID). The cancel command is a command for transmitting cancel information to the corresponding server device 2.

In S56, the CPU 11 distributes the cancel information. The cancel information is distributed to the area selected in S47. The server device 2 distributes the cancel information to vehicles having vehicle IDs registered in the area list of the area corresponding to the server device 2.

In S57, the CPU 11 turns off the vehicle stopping mode. Thereafter, the process returns to S41.

(5) Warning Process

A warning process executed by the CPU 32 of the information processing device 31 is hereinafter described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 10. This process starts in S10 in the vehicle side main process in FIG. 5. At the start of the process, at least one of the first vehicle stop flag and the second vehicle stop flag is set to the on-state.

In S61, the CPU 32 determines whether the second vehicle stop flag is in the on-state. When the second vehicle stop flag is in the on-state (S61: YES), the process shifts to S62. When the second vehicle stop flag is not in the on-state S61: NO), i.e., the first stop vehicle flag is in the on-state, the process shifts to S63.

In S62, the CPU 32 determines whether the self-vehicle is located within the distribution area of the stop signal, and whether the traveling direction is the identical direction based on the second stop signal B received in S8 in FIG. 5. When it is determined that the traveling direction is the identical direction (S62: YES), the process shifts to S63. When it is determined that the traveling direction is not the identical direction (S62: NO), this process ends.

In S63, the CPU 32 stores the received stop signal. When the process shifts from S61 to S63, the second stop signal A received in S6 in FIG. 5 is stored. When the process shifts from S62 to S63, the second stop signal B received in S8 in FIG. 5 is stored.

In S64, the CPU 32 calculates the distance between the position of the self-vehicle and the stop position included in the stop signal stored in S63 based on the position of the self-vehicle and the stop position.

In S65, the CPU 32 gives a warning in accordance with the distance calculated in S64. Specific examples of the method for giving the warning include display of notification about occurrence of the vehicle stop on the display device of the navigation system 25, and voice guidance from the speaker 26.

The CPU 32 further sets a color and a size of notification such that contents displayed on the display device (such as characters) become more conspicuous as the distance decreases. The CPU 32 increases the volume of voices emitted from the speaker 26 as the distance decreases, and emits warning sound when the distance is short. Warning modes changeable in accordance with the distance may be realized in various ways as well as the foregoing examples.

Emission of a warning may be configured to stop when the calculated distance between the stop position and the self-vehicle position is shorter than a predetermined threshold.

In S66, the CPU 32 determines whether the self-vehicle has passed through the stop position of the different vehicle included in the stop signal stored in S63. When it is determined that the self-vehicle has passed through the stop position (S66: YES), the process shifts to S68. When it is determined that the self-vehicle has not passed through the stop position yet (S66: NO), the process shifts to S67.

In S67, the CPU 32 determines whether cancel information has been received. The cancel information is transmitted in S56 in FIG. 9. When it is determined that the cancel information has been received (S67: YES), the process shifts to S68. When it is determined that the cancel information has not been received (S67: NO), the process returns to S64.

In S68, the CPU 32 sets the vehicle stop flag to the off-state. More specifically, the CPU 32 changes the vehicle stop flag, which has been set to the on-state in correspondence with the vehicle stop, to the off-state based on the current state of the corresponding vehicle not requiring a warning. More specifically, when the process shifts from S66 to S68, i.e., when it is determined that the self-vehicle has passed through the stop position of the different vehicle, the vehicle stop flag associated with the stop position is set to the off-state. On the other hand, when the process shifts from S67 to S68, the vehicle stop flag associated with the vehicle ID included in the received cancel information is set to the off-state.

In S69, the CPU 32 stops warning. Thereafter, the process returns to S61.

1-4. Advantageous Effects

According to the first embodiment, the following advantageous effects are provided.

[1A] The information processing system 5 according to the present embodiment acquires traveling area information by the information acquisition unit 41, and stores the traveling area information in the area information storage unit 74 beforehand. The information processing system 5 determines whether a warning is necessary, based on comparison between the second stop signal B and the stored traveling area information when the reception unit 49 receives the second stop signal B. This structure eliminates the necessity of collecting information on the traveling area of the self-vehicle after reception of the second stop signal B, thereby allowing rapid execution of a warning.

[1B] The information processing system 5 according to the present embodiment includes the specific range storage unit 75 that stores information indicating the position of the specific range 103. The information processing system 5 determines whether the vehicle 4 has entered the specific range 103, based on comparison between the position of the vehicle 4 detected by the position detection unit 42, and the position of the specific range 103 stored in the specific range storage unit 75.

This structure therefore determines entry into the specific range 103 defined based on the position information stored in the specific range storage unit 75. In this case, the specific range 103 easily changes with update of the stored information. Accordingly, necessary addition, deletion, or change of the specific range are easily realizable in a case of a change of the shape of the road as a result of construction, or addition of a new specific range as a result of a change of a traffic volume, for example.

[1C] The information processing system 5 according to the present embodiment includes the wireless signal reception device 21 that receives a wireless signal transmitted from a signal transmission device disposed along the road and transmitting a predetermined wireless signal. The information processing system 5 determines that the vehicle 4 has entered the specific range 103 when the wireless signal reception device 21 receives the predetermined wireless signal.

Since a signal transmitted from the signal transmission device such as ETC, DSRC, and a beacon has a limited transmission range, the wireless signal reception device 21 receives the signal only by passage through a narrow range determined beforehand. In this case, the probability that the signal is detected at a position other than the corresponding road decreases. Accordingly, entry into the specific range 103 is determined with high accuracy.

[1D] According to the information processing system 5 in the present embodiment, the relation determination unit 50 determines whether the self-vehicle is located before a different stopping vehicle in the traveling direction. The processing execution unit 51 ends execution of a warning when the relation determination unit 50 determines that the self-vehicle is located before the different vehicle in the traveling direction.

This structure reduces an unnecessary warning given based on the presence of a stopping vehicle located after the self-vehicle, thereby avoiding disturbance given by the unnecessary warning to comfortable driving during traveling of the driver.

2. Second Embodiment 2-1. Differences from First Embodiment

A basic structure of a second embodiment is similar to the structure of the first embodiment. Accordingly, similar configurations are not repeatedly explained. Different points between these embodiments are only touched upon.

According to the first embodiment described above, traveling area information and a vehicle ID included in an entry signal received in S21 in the server first response process in FIG. 6 is classified for each area of a specific range and processed. According to the present embodiment, however, these information and signal are broadcasted to a predetermined range without classification for each area, and without transmission of a second stop signal B to a particular vehicle ID.

2-2. Processing

A specific processing example of the notification system 1 according to the second embodiment is hereinafter described. Only a server first response process and a server second response process in the present embodiment are different from the respective processes in the first embodiment. Accordingly, other processes are not repeatedly explained herein.

(1) Server First Response Process

A server first response process executed by the CPU 11 of the server device 2 is hereinafter described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 11. Steps in this process similar to the corresponding steps in the server first response process in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment are given similar reference numbers, and a part of explanation is omitted.

After S21 of the server first response process, the process shifts to S23 while skipping S22. When it is determined that the current mode is a vehicle stopping mode in S23 (S23: YES), the process shifts to S71.

In S71, the CPU 11 determines whether the position of the vehicle specified based on traveling area information included in an entry signal received in S21 is located within a stop signal distribution area. The stop signal distribution area is an area to which information indicating a vehicle stop is distributed at the time of occurrence of the vehicle stop in the specific range 103. The stop signal distribution area is set in S82 in FIG. 12 described below.

When the vehicle is located within the stop signal distribution area (S71: YES), the process shift to S25. When the vehicle is not located in the stop signal distribution area (S71: NO), the process shifts to S26.

(2) Server Second Response Process

A server second response process executed by the CPU 11 of the server device 2 is hereinafter described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 12. Steps in this process similar to the respective steps in the server second response process in FIG. 9 in the first embodiment are given similar reference numbers, and a part of explanation is omitted.

When it is determined that a first stop signal has been received in S41 (S41: YES), the process shifts to S81. When it is determined that a notification command has been received in S42 (S42: YES), the process shifts to S84. When it is determined that information on vehicle stop cancel has been received in S43 (S43: YES), the process shifts to S85. When it is determined that a cancel command has been received in S44 (S44: YES), the process shifts to S86.

In S81, the CPU 11 stores the first stop signal determined as a received signal in S41, and a vehicle ID of the information processing device 31 that is a transmission source in association with each other.

In S82, the CPU 11 selects a distribution area for a second stop signal B.

A method for selecting the distribution area is hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 13. The vehicle 4 is a vehicle having stopped traveling on a highway 111. The highway 111 has a boundary located in each of areas where ICs 112 (112 a to 112 c) and a JCT 113 are provided. The highway 111 is divided into an area 1 ranging from an IC(1) to a JCT(2), an area 2 ranging from the JCT(2) to an IC(3), and an area 3 ranging from the IC(3) to an IC(4).

The signal transmission and reception device 3 (one of 3 a to 3 c) that distributes signals is provided for each area. The signal transmission and reception device 3 a distributes signals to the area 1. The signal transmission and reception device 3 b distributes signals to the area 2. The signal transmission and reception device 3 c distributes signals to the area 3. Needless to say, each of the signal transmission and reception devices 3 a to 3 c may distribute signals to an area exceeding the foregoing area, and produce an overlapping distribution range. Each of the server devices 2 (2 a to 2 c) is disposed adjacent to the corresponding signal transmission and reception device 3.

The vehicle 4 stops in the course of the area 2 in the direction toward the JCT(2). In this case, a vehicle present in the area 1 and located before the vehicle 4 in the traveling direction or on a road having a different traveling direction is in a low emergency state for receiving vehicle stop information.

Accordingly, the distribution range is set to the areas 2 and 3, other than the area 1.

In S83, the CPU 11 sets a second stop signal B including information for setting a second vehicle stop flag to the on-state, the distribution areas, the traveling direction, and information on the stop position and the vehicle ID included in the first stop signal. Thereafter, the process shifts to S49.

After completion of S49, the process shifts to S84.

In S84, the CPU 11 broadcasts the second stop signal B. Thereafter, the process shifts to S51.

In S85, the CPU 11 selects the distribution areas selected in S82, i.e., the distribution areas having received broadcast transmission in S84. Thereafter, the process shifts to S54.

After completion of S55, the process shifts to S86.

In S86, the CPU 11 broadcasts cancel information. Thereafter, the process shifts to S57.

2-3. Advantageous Effects

[2A] According to the notification system 1 in the present embodiment, the server device 2 sets a range to which a second stop signal is to be transmitted based on a signal transmitted from the information processing system 5, and transmits the second stop signal to this range. This structure eliminates the necessity for individually determining the position of the information processing system 5. Accordingly, prompt transmission of the second stop signal is achievable while reducing a processing load on the server device 2.

3. Third Embodiment 3-1. Differences from Second Embodiment

A basic structure of a third embodiment is similar to the structure of the second embodiment. Accordingly, similar configurations are not repeatedly explained. Different points between these embodiments are only touched upon.

According to the third embodiment, the transmission range setting unit 64 b of the signal transmission destination setting unit 64 performs a function.

When receiving a first stop signal transmitted from the first transmission unit 47, the transmission range setting unit 64 b sets a range of a road to which a second stop signal B (stop position range) is transmitted at least based on traveling area information included in the first stop signal. The second transmission unit 65 broadcasts the second stop signal B generated by the signal generation unit 63 to the stop position range set by the transmission range setting unit 64 b.

3-2. Processing

A specific processing example of the notification system 1 according to the third embodiment is hereinafter described. Only a server second response process and a warning process in the present embodiment are different from the respective processes in the second embodiment. Accordingly, other processes are not repeatedly explained herein.

(1) Server Second Response Process

The second response process executed by the CPU 11 of the server device 2 is hereinafter described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 14. Steps in this process similar to the respective steps in the server second response process in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment are given similar reference numbers, and a part of explanation is omitted.

After a distribution area for receiving a second stop signal B is selected in S82, the process shifts to S91.

In S91, the CPU 11 determines a stop position range based on a stop position and a section. The stop position range is information indicating a fixed range and including information on the latitude and longitude. As illustrated in FIG. 15, three ranges 121 constituted by a first range 121 a, a second range 121 b, and a third range 121 c are set in the order from a starting point corresponding to a stop position 120 on the road 101 toward the rear.

Arbitrary methods for determining the stop position ranges may be used. The starting point of the ranges is not required to be located at the stop position, but may be a position away from the stop position with a distance left between the starting point and the stop position. The method for determining the stop position ranges may be selected for each of sections defined beforehand. For example, in a case of a section including many curves and requiring reduction of the traveling speed, each of the stop position ranges may be set to a small range. The stop position ranges may be specified based on information other than the latitude and longitude. The number of ranges may be other than three.

In S92, the CPU 11 determines a warning level for each stop position range. The respective warning levels are determined in accordance with the degree of danger. For example, the stop position range located close to the stop position has a high emergency level. However, the emergency level lowers as the distance from the stop position increases. Accordingly, appropriate warning levels are determined in accordance with the distance from the stop position.

In S93, the CPU 11 sets a second stop signal B including information for setting a second vehicle stop flag to the on-state, information on the stop position ranges each of which has a determined warning level, and a vehicle ID. Thereafter, the process shifts to S49. Information set herein includes all information on the stop position ranges (information on three stop position ranges in the present embodiment).

(2) Warning Process

The warning process executed by the CPU 32 of the information processing device 31 is hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 16. Steps in this process similar to the respective steps in the warning process in FIG. 10 in the first embodiment are given similar reference numbers, and a part of explanation is omitted.

When it is determined that a second vehicle stop flag is in the on-state in S61 (S61: YES), the process shifts to S101.

In S101, the CPU 32 determines whether the position of the self-vehicle is contained in any one of the stop position ranges included in the second stop signal B determined as a received signal in S8. More specifically, the CPU 32 determines whether the self-vehicle is located in any one of the stop position ranges 121 constituted by the first range 121 a, the second range 121 b, and the third range 121 c in FIG. 15.

When the self-vehicle is located in any one of the ranges (S101: YES), the process shifts to S63. When the self-vehicle is not located in any one of the ranges (S101: NO), the on-going process ends.

After completion of S63, the process shifts to S102.

In S102, the CPU 32 gives a warning at a warning level set for the stop position range where the self-vehicle is located. Thereafter, the process shifts to S66.

When it is determined that cancel information has not been received in S67 yet (S67: NO), the process shifts to S103.

In S103, a positional relationship between the stop position range and the self-vehicle position is checked. The second stop signal B determined as a received signal in S8 includes a plurality of stop position ranges. Accordingly, a change of the position of the traveling self-vehicle from one range to a different range is detectable based on determination of the stop position range containing the self-vehicle.

In S104, the warning level is reset. When it is determined based on the check in S103 that the positional relationship between the stop position range and the self-vehicle position has been changed, the warning level is changed in accordance with the stop position range, and set as a new warning level. Thereafter, the process shifts to S102.

3-3. Advantageous Effects

[3A] According to the notification system 1 in the present embodiment, a first stop signal transmitted from the information processing system 5 includes information indicating the current position of the vehicle 4. The server device 2 sets one or more stop position ranges according to the distance from a starting point corresponding to the current position of the vehicle based on the information included in the first stop position and indicating the current position, and generates a second stop signal B including information indicating the stop position range as information on the stop position of the vehicle.

The information processing system 5 determines whether the self-vehicle 4 is located in the foregoing range included in the received second stop signal B, and executes a process determined beforehand based on a determination result.

According to the notification system 1 thus configured, the server device 2 transmits only range information and information indicating warning levels. In this case, rapid transmission of the second stop signal B to the information processing system 5 is achievable. Moreover, the information processing system 5 is only required to determine whether the self-vehicle is contained in the transmitted stop position range. Accordingly, a processing load imposed on the information processing system 5 decreases.

4. Other Embodiments

[4A] According to the embodiments described above, a structure that performs the respective processes for a target of a vehicle traveling on a highway has been presented by way of example. However, the processes discussed above may be performed for a target traveling on a road other than a highway.

An example of a vehicle side main process performed in this situation is hereinafter described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 17. Steps in this process similar to the respective steps in the vehicle side main process in FIG. 5 in the first embodiment are given similar reference numbers, and a part of explanation is omitted.

In S121, the CPU 32 determines whether a self-vehicle has entered a specific range. Methods for this determination may be arbitrarily determined, such as determination based on comparison between GPS information indicating the self-vehicle position and map information indicating a specific range (map matching), and determination based on information received from ETC, DSRC, beacons or other signal transmission devices.

When it is determined that the self-vehicle has not entered the specific range (S121: NO), S121 is repeated. When it is determined that the self-vehicle has entered the specific range (S121: YES), the process shifts to S2.

After completion of S2, the process shifts to S122.

In S122, the CPU 32 acquires and stores traveling range information including position information for specifying the road and the specific range, and traveling area information including a traveling direction. Thereafter, the process shifts to S5. The method for specifying the road and the specific range may be similar to the method used in S121. The traveling direction may be determined based on a change of the self-vehicle position with an elapse of time, or information received from a signal transmission device that transmits signals only to vehicles traveling one of traveling directions.

When it is determined that a second vehicle stop flag is in the off-state in S9 (S9: YES), or after completion of S10, the process shifts to S123.

In S123, the CPU 32 determines whether the self-vehicle has passed through a boundary area. Arbitrary methods for setting the boundary area may be used. For example, an arbitrary spot may be set to a boundary area, or a boundary area may be set at each of fixed intervals. Passage through the boundary area may be determined by a method similar to the method in S121.

When it is determined that the self-vehicle has passed through the boundary area (S123: YES), the process shifts to S124. When it is determined that the self-vehicle has not passed through the boundary area yet (S123: NO), the process returns to S8.

In S124, the CPU 32 determines whether the self-vehicle has left the specific range. When it is determined that the self-vehicle has not left the specific range yet (S124: NO), the process returns to S122. When it is determined that the self-vehicle has left the specific range (S124: YES), the process shifts to S125. The leaving from the specific range may be determined by a method similar to the method in S121.

In S125, the CPU 32 deletes the traveling area information stored in S122, and transmits, to the server device 2, an exit signal indicating the necessity of deletion of the traveling area information. Thereafter, the process shifts to S14.

The notification system 1 thus configured may be adopted for various types of roads as well as a highway.

[4B] According to the embodiments described above, position information acquired by the position detection unit 42 and indicating a stop position of the vehicle 4 is included in the first and second stop signals A and B for transmission and reception. However, the signal indicating the stop position of the vehicle 4 is not required to be transmitted. When the area of the specific range 103 is set to a narrow area, for example, a specific range ID may be used in lieu of position information.

[4C] According to the third embodiment, a stop position range is set as a latitude and longitude range based on a stop position. However, other methods may be used for this setting. For example, a range may be divided into circles 131 (131 a to 131 c) around the stop position 120 (i.e., divided in accordance with the distance in a straight line from the stop position) as illustrated in FIG. 18.

Alternatively, stop position ranges may be set in accordance with a real traveling distance on the road 101 based on divisions of spots provided at intervals of 500 m from the stop position, for example.

[4D] The specific range may be classified into a plurality of types such that the communication system between the server device 2 and the information processing system 5 is changeable in accordance with the classification of the specific range of entry.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, an information processing device 31 a functions as a range identification unit 54 that identifies a type of a specific range determined as a specific range of entry by the entry determination unit 44.

The first transmission unit 47 is configured to communicate by communication systems in conformity to a plurality of communication standards, and transmit traveling area information and the like to the server device 2 by the communication system set beforehand in accordance with the type of the specific range identified by the range identification unit 54.

This structure therefore determines correspondence between specific ranges and communication systems. Arbitrary methods for determining correspondence between specific ranges and communication methods may be used, such as individual correspondence for each specific range, or correspondence in accordance with roads, road types, districts of roads, and other conditions.

For realizing communication by communication methods in conformity to a plurality of communication standards, the information processing device 31 a may include a plurality of communication modules for different communication standards.

[4E] According to the embodiment described above, road IDs, traveling direction information, and specific range IDs are included in traveling area information. However, all of these IDs and information are not necessarily required for the traveling area information as long as at least one of these is included in the traveling area information. For example, a vehicle traveling area may be narrowed based on a road ID or a specific range ID. In addition, a vehicle traveling area may be narrowed based on a traveling direction when signals transmitted from the signal transmission and reception device 3 toward vehicles have a limited range.

[4F] According to the embodiments described above, the server device 2 and the information processing system 5 communicate with each other via the signal transmission and reception device 3. However, the respective information processing systems 5 may directly communicate with each other without interposition of the server device 2, i.e., may perform vehicle-to-vehicle communication. In this case, the signal transmission and reception device 3 may be interposed between the respective information processing systems 5.

According to the structure performing direct communication between the information processing systems 5, the information processing system 5 carried on the vehicle 4 having stopped traveling transmits a first stop signal to the outside, while the information processing system 5 carried on the different vehicle 4 receives the first stop signal. The received first stop signal includes information about the stop position of the stopping vehicle 4, and therefore is handled as a second stop signal described in the foregoing embodiments.

For realizing vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the communication module 36 may be configured to periodically and wirelessly broadcast data to an unspecified number of the different information processing devices 31 present around the transmission source information processing device 31 (within communication area of radio waves).

In each of the cases of communication via the server device 2, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and road-to-vehicle communication without interposition of the server device, the information processing system 5 stores, in the storage unit, information on destinations to which signals are transmitted. In a case of broadcasting, destinations are designated at such addresses at which the respective information processing systems 5 provided on different vehicles are allowed to receive transmission.

[4G] According to the embodiments described above, the information processing system 5 is carried on each of the vehicles 4. However, arbitrary structures may be adopted as long as all the function units are provided inside the vehicle 4 as a system. More specifically, all the configurations for allowing the function as the information processing system are only required to be movable in accordance with movement of the vehicle 4. For example, a part or all of the information processing system may be taken into the vehicle 4 (or taken out of vehicle 4).

According to a specific example of this structure, an information processing device (terminal device), such as a smartphone, may be configured to perform the function of the information processing device 31 in the embodiments described above. In this case, the vehicle 4 may include an interface device (such as wireless communication device communicating with smartphone) for communicating with devices and sensors (wireless signal reception device 21, GPS receiver 22, steering angle sensor 23, and speed sensor 24) desired to be carried on the vehicle 4.

The respective functions of the information processing device 31 may be provided on either the vehicle 4 or a smartphone. A typical smartphone having wireless communication functions such as telephone lines is capable of performing the functions of the entry signal transmission unit 45, the first transmission unit 47, the reception unit 49, and other communication functions. The information acquisition unit 41, the entry determination unit 44, the stop detection unit 46, the processing execution unit 51, and others may be collectively controlled by using a smartphone to smoothly handle the processing.

[4H] According to the embodiments described above, traveling area information is acquired by the information processing system 5. However, traveling area information may be generated by the server device 2.

More specifically, according to an information processing device 31 b of the information processing system 5, a vehicle information acquisition unit 151 acquires information indicating states of a vehicle and including vehicle position information and information on steering rotation as illustrated in FIG. 20. An entry transmission unit 152 transmits a signal including the information on states of the vehicle and specifying information for specifying the information processing system 5 as an entry signal to the server device when the entry determination unit 44 detects entry of the vehicle into a specific range.

On a server device 2 a side, an area information generation unit 153 generates traveling area information based on the information included in the transmitted entry signal and indicating states of the vehicle. An area information transmission unit 154 transmits the generated traveling area information to the information processing system 5 corresponding to a transmission source specified by the specifying information included in the entry signal.

Thereafter, on the information processing system 5 side, the area information storage unit 74 stores traveling area information transmitted from the server device as information on the traveling area of the vehicle 4.

Similarly to the first to third embodiments described above, there are provided the stop detection unit 46, the first transmission unit 47, the processing execution unit 51, the signal generation unit 63, the signal transmission destination setting unit 64 (transmission destination specifying unit 64 a or transmission range setting unit 64 b), the second transmission unit 65, and others.

According to the notification system thus configured, a processing load imposed on the information processing system 5 decreases.

[4I] According to the embodiments described above, a stop position range is set by the transmission range setting unit 64 b provided on the server device 2. However, the stop position range may be set by the information processing system 5. As illustrated in FIG. 21, an information processing device 31 c according to the present embodiment includes a second range setting unit 48.

The second range setting unit 48 sets one or more ranges (stop position ranges) in accordance with the distance from a starting point corresponding to the current position of the vehicle 4 detected by the position detection unit 42 when a vehicle stop is detected by the stop detection unit 46. The first transmission unit 47 transmits a first stop signal including information on the set range, and traveling area information stored in the area information storage unit 74 to the server device 2.

According to this structure, the transmission range setting unit 64 b of the server device 2 need not perform processing. A signal including information indicating the stop position range set by the second range setting unit 48 is transmitted as a second stop signal B.

According to the notification system thus configured, advantageous effects similar to those of the third embodiment described above are provided.

[4J] According to the third embodiment described above, a signal including information on a stop position range is broadcasted to the information processing system 5 as a second stop signal B. However, a second stop signal B including information on a stop position range similarly to the third embodiment may be individually transmitted to the information processing system 5 rather than by broadcast transmission, similarly to the first embodiment.

[4K] A function performed by one constituent element in the embodiments described above may be divided into a plurality of parts performed by a plurality of constituent elements, or functions performed by a plurality of constituent elements may be unified into one function performed by one constituent element. At least a part of the structures of the embodiments may be replaced with known structures performing similar functions. In addition, a part of the structures of the embodiments may be eliminated.

[4L] The respective function units constituting the information processing system 5 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized under programs for allowing a computer to perform the respective function units of the information processing system 5. In particular, the information acquisition unit 41, the entry determination unit 44, the stop detection unit 46, the entry signal transmission unit 45, the first transmission unit 47, and the processing execution unit 51 may be realized under the programs.

It is preferable that the foregoing computer includes a storage device capable of storing data, and a communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the outside.

It is noted that a flowchart or the processing of the flowchart in the present application includes sections (also referred to as steps), each of which is represented, for instance, as S1. Further, each section can be divided into several sub-sections while several sections can be combined into a single section. Furthermore, each of thus configured sections can be also referred to as a device, module, or means.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and constructions. The present disclosure is intended to cover various modification and equivalent arrangements. In addition, while the various combinations and configurations, other combinations and configurations, including more, less or only a single element, are also within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An information processing system arranged on a vehicle, the information processing system comprising a CPU and memory configured to: acquire traveling area information on an area where the vehicle travels; determine whether the vehicle has entered a specific area; store the acquired traveling area information when that the vehicle has entered the specific area; receive a stop signal as a signal including information on a stop position of a different vehicle different from the vehicle on which the information processing system is arranged, the stop signal being transmitted from an external device outside of the vehicle when the different vehicle stops traveling or when receiving a signal indicative of an abnormal state of the different vehicle; determine a positional relationship between the different vehicle and the vehicle, based on the information on the stop position included in the received stop signal and the stored traveling area information; execute a predetermined process in accordance with the determined positional relationship between the different vehicle and the vehicle, the predetermined process including at least one of displaying a warning screen on display device of the vehicle, emitting a warning sound from a speaker of the vehicle, and controlling the vehicle to allow the vehicle to pass through the specific area; wherein the external device stores a vehicle ID of the vehicle when the vehicle has entered the specific area and stores at least one additional vehicle ID associated with at least one additional vehicle when the at least one additional vehicle has entered the specific area, the vehicle ID and the at least one additional vehicle ID being stored in a priority order based on an order in which the vehicle ID and the at least one additional vehicle ID are received; and wherein the external device transmits the stop signal to the vehicle and the at least one additional vehicle based on the priority order.
 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, the CPU and memory being further configured to: detect a position of the vehicle, the stop signal including one or more sets of range information which indicates a range defined in accordance with a distance from a position at which the different vehicle stops traveling; and determine the positional relationship between the different vehicle and the vehicle, based on the detected position of the vehicle and the range information.
 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, the CPU and memory being further configured to: detect a position of the vehicle; store information indicating a position of the specific area; and determine whether the vehicle has entered the specific area, based on a comparison between the detected position of the vehicle and the stored position of the specific area.
 4. The information processing system according to claim 1, the CPU and memory being further configured to: receive a predetermined wireless signal transmitted from a signal transmission device disposed along a road and transmitting the wireless signal; and determine that the vehicle has entered the specific area when the predetermined wireless signal is received.
 5. The information processing system according to claim 1, the CPU and memory being further configured to: determine whether the vehicle is located in front of the different vehicle in a traveling direction; and end the process when the vehicle is located in front of the different vehicle in the traveling direction.
 6. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: the traveling area information includes at least one of information for specifying a road, information for specifying a predetermined range of the road, and information for specifying a traveling direction.
 7. A portable terminal device comprising a CPU and memory configured to: acquire traveling area information on an area where a vehicle travels; determine whether the vehicle has entered a specific area; store the acquired traveling area information when the vehicle has entered the specific area; receive a stop signal as a signal including information on a stop position of a different vehicle different from the vehicle, the stop signal being transmitted from an external device outside of the vehicle when the different vehicle stops traveling or when receiving a signal indicative of an abnormal state of the different vehicle; determine a positional relationship between the different vehicle and the vehicle, based on the information on the stop position included in the received stop signal and the stored traveling area information; execute a predetermined process in accordance with the positional relationship between the different vehicle and the vehicle, the predetermined process including at least one of displaying a warning screen on display device of the vehicle, emitting a warning sound from a speaker of the vehicle, and controlling the vehicle to allow the vehicle to pass through the specific area; wherein the external device stores a vehicle ID of the vehicle when the vehicle has entered the specific area and stores at least one additional vehicle ID associated with at least one additional vehicle when the at least one additional vehicle has entered the specific area, the vehicle ID and the at least one additional vehicle ID being stored in a priority order based on an order in which the vehicle ID and the at least one additional vehicle ID are received; and wherein the external device transmits the stop signal to the vehicle and the at least one additional vehicle based on the priority order.
 8. A non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium comprising an instruction executed by a computer, the instruction including: acquiring traveling area information on an area where a vehicle travels; determining whether the vehicle has entered a specific area; storing acquired traveling area information when determined that the vehicle has entered the specific area; receiving a stop signal as a signal including information on a stop position of a different vehicle different from the vehicle, the stop signal being transmitted from an external device outside of the vehicle when the different vehicle stops traveling or when receiving a signal indicative of an abnormal state of the different vehicle; determining a positional relationship between the different vehicle and the vehicle, based on the information on the stop position included in the received stop signal and the stored traveling area information; and executing a predetermined process in accordance with a determination result of the positional relationship, the predetermined process including at least one of displaying a warning screen on display device of the vehicle, emitting a warning sound from a speaker of the vehicle, and controlling the vehicle to allow the vehicle to pass through the specific area; wherein the external device stores a vehicle ID of the vehicle when the vehicle has entered the specific area and stores at least one additional vehicle ID associated with at least one additional vehicle when the at least one additional vehicle has entered the specific area, the vehicle ID and the at least one additional vehicle ID being stored in a priority order based on an order in which the vehicle ID and the at least one additional vehicle ID are received; and wherein the external device transmits the stop signal to the vehicle and the at least one additional vehicle based on the priority order. 